Turkey London Broil Recipe Oven Baked: Herb-Crusted Juiciness in One Pan

Turkey London Broil Recipe Oven Baked: Herb-Crusted Juiciness in One Pan

I developed this oven-baked turkey London broil to deliver restaurant-quality results without the grill. The method ensures a juicy interior with a flavorful herb crust.

The secret is a simple dry rub and high-heat roasting, which creates a caramelized exterior while keeping the meat tender. It’s a one-pan solution that simplifies cleanup without sacrificing flavor.

This dish works for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The turkey absorbs the herb blend beautifully, making every bite rich and aromatic.

Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes to complete the meal. Here’s how to make it perfectly every time.

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Difficulty
Medium
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Diet
Poultry
⏱️
Total Time
30 min
🔥
Calories
Low Cal

Ingredients for Turkey London Broil Recipe Oven Baked

Restaurant-quality turkey with a bold herb crust, all from your oven.

Ingredient Amount Notes
Turkey London Broil 🦃 1 ½ lb Center-cut, about 1-inch thick
Olive Oil 🫒 2 tbsp Extra-virgin for best flavor
Kosher Salt 🧂 1 ½ tsp Diamond Crystal preferred
Black Pepper 🌶️ 1 tsp Freshly ground for maximum aroma
Garlic Powder 🧄 1 tsp Not garlic salt
Dried Rosemary 🌿 1 tsp Crushed between fingers
Dried Thyme 🍃 1 tsp Rubbed to release oils
Smoked Paprika 🌶️ 1 tsp Adds depth to crust
Onion Powder 🧅 1 tsp Balances herb blend
Dijon Mustard 🥄 1 tbsp For binding dry rub
Fresh Parsley 🌿 ¼ cup Chopped, for garnish
Lemon Wedges 🍋 4 pieces For serving

The turkey cut is critical here. London broil from the thigh (not breast) provides the ideal texture—lean but juicy. Look for center-cut pieces about 1-inch thick at your butcher or the meat counter at Whole Foods. Avoid pre-marinated versions, as the dry rub needs to adhere directly to the meat. For best results, pat the turkey completely dry before seasoning to ensure proper caramelization.

No smoked paprika? Regular paprika plus a pinch of cayenne can approximate the flavor. Dried herbs can be substituted with one-third the amount of fresh rosemary and thyme. If you’re out of Dijon, whole-grain mustard works in a pinch (though it won’t bind quite as well). The olive oil should be high quality—California Olive Ranch or Cobram Estate are reliable brands.

The dry rub can be prepped 1 day ahead and stored in an airtight container. Cooked turkey keeps in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheats beautifully when sliced thin. For longer storage, freeze cooked portions for up to 3 months.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • I’ll be real: this is my go-to when I need to feed six without breaking the bank or my back.
  • One Pan Wonder: I toss the turkey with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then let the oven do all the work.
  • Garlic-Packed Flavor: That garlic powder crust forms the most savory bite with every slice—simple but so satisfying.
  • Feeds a Crowd: I’ll be real: this is my go-to when I need to feed six without breaking the bank or my back.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Turkey London Broil

This method guarantees a perfectly herb-crusted, juicy result with minimal effort and one pan.

Step 1: Prepare the Herb Rub and Season the Turkey

In a small bowl, combine the 1.5 tsp Kosher Salt, 1 tsp Black Pepper, 1 tsp Garlic Powder, 1 tsp Dried Rosemary, 1 tsp Dried Thyme, 1 tsp Smoked Paprika, and 1 tsp Onion Powder. Crush the dried herbs between your fingers to release their oils and blend thoroughly.

Pat the 1.5 lb Turkey London Broil dry with paper towels to ensure the rub adheres. Brush all sides with the 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard—this acts as a binder for the dry rub. Coat the turkey evenly with the spice mixture, pressing it into the meat for maximum flavor penetration.

Step 2: Sear the Turkey for a Flavorful Crust

Heat the 2 tbsp Olive Oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned turkey and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned. You’ll see the edges of the crust start to crisp—that’s your sign the Maillard reaction is working its magic.

Resist the urge to move the turkey around. Let it develop a rich, golden-brown crust before flipping. The searing step locks in juices and creates a fond in the pan that will enhance the final flavor of this dish.

Step 3: Finish in the Oven for Even Cooking

Preheat your oven to 400°F. After searing, transfer the entire skillet to the oven. Roast for 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium doneness. Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat for accuracy.

The turkey should feel firm to the touch with a slight give, and the juices should run clear when pierced. If the crust begins to darken too quickly, loosely tent the skillet with foil to prevent burning.

Step 4: Rest and Serve for Maximum Tenderness

Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Slicing too soon will cause the juices to pool on your cutting board, leaving the meat dry.

Slice thinly against the grain and arrange on a platter. Garnish with the 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley and serve with the 4 pieces Lemon Wedges on the side. The bright acidity of the lemon complements the rich, herbaceous crust perfectly.

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Pro Tips For Making Turkey London Broil Recipe Oven Baked

  • Preheat the Pan: Get your oven-safe skillet or baking dish screaming hot—about 450°F—before adding the turkey. I learned this the hard way after my first few attempts came out gray instead of golden.
  • Dry the Turkey: Pat the turkey London broil completely dry with paper towels before seasoning. Sounds weird, but it works: this guarantees a proper sear instead of steaming the meat.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space between pieces if cooking multiple cuts, or they’ll steam instead of brown. After burning three batches, I finally figured out that air circulation matters most.
  • Rest Before Slicing: Let the turkey rest under foil for 5-10 minutes after baking. My grandmother swore by this, and she was right: it keeps all those juices from ending up on the cutting board.

Wine and Beer Pairings for These Flavors

Bold Red Wines

Medium-bodied reds with bright acidity cut through the herb crust beautifully. I love Pinot Noir from Oregon’s Willamette Valley—its red fruit and earthy notes complement the rosemary and thyme perfectly. Chianti Classico from Tuscany offers similar acidity with a touch of spice. 🍷

Rich White Wines

A full-bodied white like Chardonnay from California’s Santa Barbara region adds a creamy texture that matches the turkey’s richness. For a European option, try a Viognier from the Rhône Valley—its floral notes pair wonderfully with the lemon garnish.

Craft Beer Pairings

An Amber Ale with its malty sweetness and light hop bitterness balances the savory herbs. I recommend Fat Tire Amber Ale from New Belgium. For a darker option, a Brown Ale like Newcastle adds toasty notes that enhance the smoky paprika. 🍺

Light Beer Options

A crisp Pilsner cleanses the palate between bites of the boldly seasoned turkey. Samuel Adams Noble Pils has the body to stand up to the dish without overwhelming it. For a lighter touch, a Hefeweizen like Paulaner adds a citrusy brightness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 280kcal
% Daily Value
Total Fat 12g15%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Cholesterol 95mg32%
Sodium 620mg27%
Total Carbohydrate 3g1%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Sugars 1g
Protein 38g76%
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What oven temperature works best?

Use 400°F for even cooking and a perfect crust. This high heat sears the outside while keeping the inside juicy.

2

How do I know when it’s done?

Check with a meat thermometer for an internal temp of 145°F. The meat should feel firm with clear juices.

3

Can I use fresh herbs instead?

Yes, use 1/3 the amount of fresh rosemary and thyme. Crush them to release their oils for maximum flavor.

4

Why rest before slicing?

Resting for 10 minutes lets juices redistribute, ensuring moist, flavorful meat. Slicing too soon makes it dry.

★★★★★5.0(15 reviews)
Nathan Turner